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Maqam an-Nabi Musa

General view of Maqam an-Nabi Musa (the Mausoleum of Moses), built on the road to Jericho.

Maqam an-Nabi Musa, or the Tomb of Prophet Moses has been the site of annual pilgrimage since the time of Saladin (1137 CE – 1193 CE). Saladin was the first sultan of Egypt and Syria and the founder of the Ayyubid dynasty. The main body of the present shrine, mosque, minaret and some rooms were built during the reign of Al-Dhaher Baybers, a Mamluk Sultan, in 1269 CE. Pilgrimage started at that time bringing thousands of people from Jerusalem to Nabi Musa in a procession after which they camped at the site for a week. The bituminous rocks around the shrine add to its mystique and sanctity, as they are flammable and were used by pilgrims as fuel for warmth and cooking.

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